International Students and Scholars Office
Archives - Important Immigration and Programming Updates2006 Fall
Spring
------------ Message from ISO: End of semester reminders Fall 2006 (12/5/2006) As we approach the end of the Fall Semester, the staff of the International Student Office wishes you success in your finals and other academic endeavors. For additional resources to support your success as you prepare for finals this week, go to the ASU Learning Resource Center website www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/lrc
www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/mu/finalsbreakfast We appreciate your attendance at Arizona State University and consider it a privilege to have worked with you. If you are completing your studies and moving on from ASU, we congratulate you on your achievements. To the continuing students, congratulations for the successful completion of this semester- we look forward to your return! Below are important reminders:
Please be cautious in your travels and have a safe and enjoyable winter holiday! The International Student Office
Message From The ISO for F-1 and J-1 Student Fall 2006 F-1 STUDENTS A. THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU TRAVEL for F-1 students I. When traveling within the US , you may be asked by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to show your immigration documents (I-20, passport). Be sure you have your documents with you and keep them in a safe place at all times. II. If you are traveling outside the US ,
2. If the signature will be expired on the date that you return to the US , bring your I-20 to the ISO as soon as possible to obtain a travel signature. Please allow 7 working days for processing. 3. DOCUMENTS to carry when you return to the US : Valid F-1 visa, ASU I-20 with valid travel signature, Passport valid 6 months into the future, Enrolment verification and unofficial transcript (request from the REGISTRAR, SSV #144). 4. If you plan to travel to a country other than your own, you should contact the Consulate of that country to find out if you need a visa. You can access it through the State Government website http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/ and follow to the list of Foreign Consulates in the U.S. 5. Automatic visa revalidation: Citizens of some countries who are in the US with expired F-1 visa will be able to return to the US after travel to Mexico, Canada and the neighboring islands/US territories under the following conditions: visit is not more than 30 days and the purpose is pleasure or vacation only, maintained full-time status at all times, has I-20 endorsed for travel within a year. 6. If you are planning to renew your expired student visa in your home country you must apply early and expect delays. DOCUMENTS for visa renewal purposes: ASU I-20 with valid travel signature, Passport, valid 6 months into the future, Financial guarantee (i.e., current semester TA/RA letter, bank statement obtained within the last 6 months), Enrolment verification and unofficial transcript (request from the REGISTRAR, SSV #144). Consult individual embassy websites for periodic updates on country-specific visa processing. Lists of US Embassies abroad can be accessed through this website http://usembassy.state.gov/ 7. Entry and Exit requirements in the US-Visit Program: US-VISIT is part of a continuum of security measures that begins overseas and continues through a visitor's arrival in and departure from the United States . For more information, visit the US-VISIT Program website http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs/content_multi_image_0006.shtm 8. Students subject to SPECIAL REGISTRATION should remember all entry and exit requirements to avoid delays. For additional information or specific questions on special registration, go to the USICE website link http://www.ice.gov/pi/specialregistration/index.htm or contact USCIS National Customer Service Center 1-800-375-5283. For further travel related inquiries, send an email to ISOeadvisor@asu.edu B. SEVIS COMPLIANCE Information for CONTINUING STUDENTS for F-1 students F-1 students who are getting close to the expiration date listed on their I-20 must file a request for an extension at the ISO/International Student Services or ISS for West Campus Students before your immigration document expires. Failure to do so will cause loss of F-1 status. 2. OPT students who did not complete as reported on the completion of coursework form or any other reason must report to the ISO/ISS prior to the completion date for appropriate advisement. Failure to do so will cause loss of F-1 status and consequently, loss of the OPT benefit. 3. Must maintain full-time status at all times. AUDIT GRADES are not counted and only 3 ONLINE CREDITS can be counted towards full-time enrollment. 4. January 5, 2007 - final day to request PERMISSION from the ISO/ISS to concurrently enroll at a local community college in the Sp 2007 semester. 5. January 19 - final day to submit immigration approved exception to full course of study documents to ISO/ISS (i.e., PROOF of concurrent enrollment, final semester, medical etc.) 6. January 22 - date that SEVIS record will be terminated for students not full time as of January 21 - published late registration & drop/add deadline. No exceptions! 7. Students who have made any change to their academic programs, (i.e. switched degree options, major change) must report to the ISO/ISS for immigration advisement as soon as possible. The impact of the change may cause you to lose your F-1 status. 8. Anytime you move, update address information with ASU Interactive Online Services within 10 days. Use your home in Tempe/Phoenix area as your LOCAL address and your home country residence as PERMANENT address. Do not list PO boxes. Failure to do so will cause loss of student status. Important Note: The processing time at the ISO/ISS for any document/form signature request is 7-10 full working days. Other requests may take more time so please plan accordingly. For further information, send an email to ISOeadvisor@asu.edu C. INFORMATION FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS for F-1 students Students completing their program this Fall 2006 semester who want to apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit must apply prior to their completion date to get the full 12 months of OPT. Deadline to submit OPT application to the ISO is 3 weeks prior to completion date. Failure to meet the deadlines will result in, without exception, the loss of your OPT benefit. Students who do not complete their program as reported on the completion of coursework form or any other reason must report to the ISO prior to the completion date for appropriate advisement. Failure to do so will cause loss of F-1 status and consequently, loss of the OPT benefit. Upon completion of studies, F-1 students must be in one of the following situations:
After completion of studies, you are not allowed to continue to work on campus as a student. Any employment as a student after degree completion is considered unauthorized and will jeopardize your immigration status.
For further information, send an email to ISOeadvisor@asu.edu J-1 STUDENTS A. THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU TRAVEL for J-1 degree-seeking students I. When traveling within the US , you may be asked by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to show your immigration documents (DS-2019, passport). Be sure you have your documents with you and keep them in a safe place at all times. II. If you are traveling outside the US, 1. Please check your DS-2019 for a valid travel signature by a Responsible School Official. Signatures are valid for 1 year from the date of last signature. 2. Students sponsored by ASU should submit their DS-2019 to the International Student Office. Please allow 7 working days for processing. Those sponsored by other institutions must contact their respective RO/ARO listed in the DS-2019. 3. DOCUMENTS to carry when you return to the US : Valid J-1 visa, DS-2019 with valid travel signature, Passport valid 6 months into the future, Enrolment verification and unofficial transcript (request from the REGISTRAR, SSV #144). 4. If you plan to travel to a country other than your own, you should contact the Consulate of that country to find out if you need a visa. You can access it through the State Government website http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/ and follow to the list of Foreign Consulates in the U.S. 5. Automatic visa revalidation: Citizens of some countries who are in the US with expired J-1 visa will be able to return to the US after travel to Mexico, Canada and the neighboring islands/US territories under the following conditions: visit is not more than 30 days and the purpose is pleasure or vacation only, maintained full-time status at all times, has DS-2019 endorsed for travel within a year. 6. If you are planning to renew your expired student visa in your home country you must apply early and expect delays. DOCUMENTS for visa renewal purposes: DS-2019 with valid travel signature, Passport, valid 6 months into the future, Financial guarantee (i.e., current semester TA/RA letter, bank statement obtained within the last 6 months), Enrolment verification and unofficial transcript (request from the REGISTRAR, SSV #144). Consult individual embassy websites for periodic updates on country-specific visa processing. Lists of US Embassies abroad can be accessed through this website http://usembassy.state.gov/ 7. Entry and Exit requirements in the US-Visit Program: US-VISIT is part of a continuum of security measures that begins overseas and continues through a visitor's arrival in and departure from the United States . For more information, visit the US-VISIT Program website http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs/content_multi_image_0006.shtm 8. Students subject to SPECIAL REGISTRATION should remember all entry and exit requirements to avoid delays. For additional information or specific questions on special registration, go to the USICE website link http://www.ice.gov/pi/specialregistration/index.htm or contact USCIS National Customer Service Center 1-800-375-5283. For further travel related inquiries, send an email to ISOeadvisor@asu.edu B. SEVIS COMPLIANCE Information for CONTINUING STUDENTS for J-1 degree-seeking students
Note: The processing time at the ISO for any document/form signature request is 7-10 full working days. Other requests may take more time so please plan accordingly. For further information, send an email to ISOeadvisor@asu.edu C. INFORMATION FOR
GRADUATING STUDENTS (J-1 degree seeking only) 2. After completion of studies, J-1 students must be in one of the following situations:
Important! If NOT in any of the above situations, students must depart the USA within 30 days. 3. After completion of studies, you are not allowed to continue to work on campus as a student. Any student employment after degree completion is considered unauthorized and will jeopardize your immigration status. 4. Graduating students are advised to keep their immigration documents indefinitely. After you leave the University, the ISO keeps your file for a limited period only and will not be able to assist with requests for documents or verification of student status after files have been destroyed. For further information, send an email to ISOeadvisor@asu.edu Message from ISO: International Night and Thanksgiving Dinner Invites (11/2/2006) I. International Night You are all invited to International Night organized by the Coalition of International Students at ASU in celebration of the US State Department's International Education Week 2006. Celebrate international education at ASU and enjoy a night of international dance, music, fashion show and food from around the world! When: November 18th, Saturday
If you are interested in performing, or volunteering at the event, go to website http://www.asu.edu/clubs/cis or send an email to cis@asu.edu Free gifts await performers and volunteers! For more information about the event go to website: http://www.asu.edu/clubs/cis Support International Education Week! Support our very own Coalition of International Students! See you all there! II. Thanksgiving Dinner Invitation Thanksgiving is an American holiday which will
be celebrated on Thursday, November 23rd, 2006. Traditionally,
Americans celebrate this day of thanksgiving by gathering together
with family members to eat a big turkey dinner. There are many
families who would like to invite one or more internationals
to enjoy this family time with them. If you would like to experience
this holiday with an American family, you may sign up by contacting
International Students Club by email Thanksgiving2006az@hotmail.com
Deadline for sign up is Monday, November
20th Message from ISO: Pre-Registration/Homecoming Weekend (10/20/2006) I. Pre-Registration for SPRING 2007 Oct 24 Nov 1
Before submitting your pre-registration request, check your eligibility to register at http://www.asu.edu/interactive and obtain advising if required. For complete Pre-Registration Instructions, please visit http://www.asu.edu/registrar/forms/info/pre-reg-instructions.html II. Homecoming Weekend We invite you to get involved and show your Sun Devil spirit by participating in different events during Homecoming weekend. Visit the Homecoming web link http://www.asu.edu/homecoming/ for a complete schedule and more information. Go devils!!! Message from ISO: Career Services Events in October (9/26/2006) Greetings from the ISO and Career Services!
Message from ISO: Career Services-ISO Initiative (9/22/2006) JUMP-START YOUR CAREER PLANNING AND JOB SEARCH!
Appointments are available on Monday mornings
between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. To schedule a time, call the ISO
at 480-965-7451. Message from the ISO: Career Fiesta (9/8/2006) Greetings! In an effort to better serve career advisement and job search activities of international students, the ISO is partnering with Career Services to provide up-to-date information on career events as well as information on workshops offered specifically for you. As a first step in the initiative, we want to draw your attention to the upcoming Career Fiesta (Sept. 19- 22) where 220+ employers will be present. Although Career Fiesta is open to and valuable for all of you, it is particularly recommended for those of you in your junior and senior years as well as continuing grad students. If you are new in the US, keep in mind that you must have completed at least one year as an F-1 student in the US before you can qualify for off-campus work authorization. In preparation for Career Fiesta, Career Services will be giving workshops on How to Succeed at Career Fiesta (Sept. 14 &15) as well as a workshop on Successful Job Search/Networking Strategies (Sept. 18). If you are starting your job search or want to network with employers that you may want to work for in the future, you should make plans to attend Career Fiesta as well as the workshops offered. More information on all these events, including a list of all participating employers, can be found on the Career Services website at http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/career/. Go job hunters!!! MARK ON YOUR CALENDAR: How to Succeed at Career Fiesta Workshop: September
14 & 15 Message from the ISO: OPT/CPT Sessions Fall 2006 (9/6/2006) OPT/CPT Information Sessions The International Student Office will hold information sessions on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). OPT & CPT are employment benefits for F-1 students. To know more details about your own OPT & CPT eligibility, please refer to this link http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/ed/iso/opt.htm Schedule: OPT Basics (Optional Practical Training) 09/15/06
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CPT Basics (Curricular Practical Training) 09/29/06
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Location: Seating is limited. Call 480-965-7451 to make a reservation. Message from ISO: SOCCER event (8/29/2006) The International Student Office in cooperation
with the Intercollegiate Athletics Department is pleased to
announce another event for the INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUNDEVIL
EXPERIENCE! CIS Fall Welcome Party (8/28/2006) Hello ASU International Students! The Coalition of International Students (CIS) would like to invite you to our Fall Welcome Party hosted especially for you. It is an opportunity to come meet other internationals and socialize to some worldly music, enjoy free pizza and drinks, and get the chance to win prizes. DATE: Friday, September 1, 2006 TIME: 6pm to 8pm PLACE: Student Services Lawn (grass area between the Student Services Building and the Memorial Union) Please RSVP by 5pm, Wednesday, August 30 to
cis@asu.edu and enter the chance
to win a free ASU T-shirt!!! Hope to see you all Friday!!! Hanin Bearat Message from ISO: Football ticket raffle (8/25/2006) Greetings from your ISO Family! Message from ISO:
Fall 2006 (8/25/2006) WELCOME ISO MATTERS 2. There is no need to make an appointment to see an ISO advisor if you are applying for an I-20 extension, application for a new I-20 when pursuing another/higher degree, dependent I-20/DS-2019, OPT, CPT and Academic Training. You may either pick-up a hand-out/instructions at the ISO or email isoeadvisor@asu.edu to request hand-out/instructions through email. 3. The processing time at the ISO for an I-20 signature, letter of certification or other routine document is 5-7 full working days. Other document requests and transactions may require more time. Incomplete documents will not be processed and will take more time. Please plan accordingly. 4. Please remember to always check your ASU email account to watch for future immigration updates and programming announcements from the ISO. ENROLLMENT ADVISORY 1. Students must be registered full-time at all times. Full-time is 12 credit hrs for undergraduates/ 9 credit hrs for graduates or 6 credit hrs with an assistantship (unless the department or college requires more). 2. No more than 3 credit hrs from any online/distance learning course may be applied towards the full-time requirement each semester. 3. AUDIT grades are not counted towards full-time enrollment. 4. Exception to the full-course of study will be given to students for the following reasons: last semester, dissertation/research or thesis hours, concurrent enrollment at a local community college, USCIS recognized case of academic difficulties, serious medical problems and personal issues that prevent academic success. Doing poorly in a course is not an approved reason to be less than full time. Please take advantage of academic support services such as the Learning Resource Center at: http://www.asu.edu/vpsa/lrc/ and the Writing Center at: http://www.asu.edu/duas/wcenter/ to ensure your success. 5. Undergraduate students who are approved for concurrent enrolment at a community college for Fall 2006 semester must submit:
6. Classes taken at the local community college with concurrent enrollment must start no later than August 25th to be counted towards the full-time requirement. 7. Students must submit the COMPLETION OF COURSEWORK FORM or other appropriate form to receive ISO approval for exceptions to the full-course-of-study requirement and PRIOR to dropping below full-time for any reason. Request after close of business day Friday, August 25th will not be processed. SEVIS 2. DEADLINE to report to the ISO for SEVIS registration is August 25th. Failure to report in a timely manner will result in the loss of your F-1 status and your SEVIS record will be TERMINATED. Terminated records are subject to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement review which could result to deportation. 3. J1 students must report to the Alternate Responsible Officer/Responsible Officer who signed their respective DS-2019 for SEVIS program validation. 4. All continuing students who have continually maintained full-time status will be automatically registered in SEVIS for Fall 2006 semester. There is NO NEED to report to the ISO for this transaction. 5. SEVIS registration verifies maintenance of student status. Failure to maintain student status at the time of SEVIS registration will cause you to be terminated in SEVIS. For complete information about maintaining your visa status, please refer to p. 2 of your I-20/DS-2019. 6. Periodic reporting to SEVIS occurs for the following events: dropping below full-time without ISO authorization, personal biographical information changes, address information changes, degree level and program changes. MAINTAINING STATUS 2. Passports must be valid at least 6 months into the future. Contact your respective country embassy within the US for passport renewal processes. 3. If you have changed majors or degree options within your program i.e. MS to MCS or pursuing another/higher degree this Fall 2006 semester, please send an email to isoeadvisor@asu.edu so we can verify if the change has affected your status and/or if you need to request for an I-20/DS-2019 update. 4. Students who have pre-approved insurance coverage through their government or official sponsor must request, obtain and submit an insurance waiver to the Tuition Payment office every semester by two weeks after classes start to avoid paying the ASU insurance. Deadline is September 1st. 5. Students completing their program this Fall 2006 semester who want to apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit must apply at least 90 days prior to the completion date to get the full 12 months of OPT. Deadline to apply for OPT is 3 weeks prior to completion date to the ISO. The OPT application must be received by the USICS before COMPLETION of degree program. Failure to meet the deadline will result in the loss of your OPT benefit. 6. If you have received a Notice of Action from USCIS regarding a change of your immigration status, please contact the ISO immediately to get your record updated in SEVIS. 7. Students who are currently on OPT must pay attention to the I-20 expiration date. If degree is not completed by the expiration date of the I-20, you must contact ISO for further advisement. Failure to do so will cause termination of your SEVIS record. 8. Anytime you move, update your address information on ASU Interactive Online Services within 10 days at http://www.asu.edu/sos/. Use your home in Tempe/Phoenix area as your LOCAL address and your home country residence as PERMANENT address. Students on OPT must also remember to keep their contact information current. PO BOX Box is not acceptable for both local and permanent address. 9. Travel Advisory can be found at this ISO webpage. Check your I-20/DS-2019 for valid travel endorsement before your scheduled trip to avoid delays. http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/ed/iso/reminders.htm#things 10. Students subject to SPECIAL REGISTRATION should remember all entry and exit requirements to avoid delays. For additional information or specific questions on special registration, go to the USICE website link http://www.ice.gov/pi/specialregistration/index.htm or contact USCIS National Customer Service Center 1-800-375-5283. 11. J-1 students with J-2 dependents must provide ISO proof of valid insurance of the dependents. Failure to do so will cause you to lose your J-1 status. We look forward to a successful semester and wish you all a happy Fall semester! Message from ISO: End of semester reminders Spring 2006 (4/28/2006) Greetings from the ISO! As we approach the end of the Spring Semester,
the staff of the International Student Office wishes you success
in your finals and other academic endeavors. We appreciate your
attendance at Arizona State University and consider it a privilege
to have worked with you. If you are completing your studies
and moving on from ASU, we congratulate you on your achievements.
To the continuing students, congratulations for the successful
completion of this semester- we look forward to your return! A. INFORMATION FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS
2. After completion of studies, F-1 students
must be in one of the following situations: 3. J-1 students have 30 days to enter a new program, start Academic Training or depart the US. 4. After completion of studies, you are not allowed to continue to work on campus as a student. Any employment after degree completion is considered unauthorized and will jeopardize your immigration status. 5. If you intend to enter another degree program here at ASU, you must come to the ISO to request an I-20 reflecting the new program. 6. If you transfer to some other institution, you must contact the ISO for SEVIS transfer process information. 7. If you have received a Notice of Action from USCIS regarding a change of your immigration status, please contact the ISO immediately to get your record updated in SEVIS. 8. Graduating students are advised to keep their immigration documents indefinitely. After you leave the University, the ISO keeps your file for a limited period only and will not be able to assist with requests for documents or verification of student status after files have been discarded. B. INFORMATION FOR CONTINUING STUDENTS 2. OPT students who did not complete as reported on the completion of coursework form or any other reason must report to the ISO prior to the completion date for appropriate advisement. Failure to do so will cause loss of F-1 status and consequently, loss of the OPT benefit. 3. F-1 or J-1 students who are getting close to the expiration date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019 must file a request for an extension at the ISO before your immigration document expires. Failure to do so will cause loss of F-1 status. 4. Students who are on administrative hold will not be able to register for classes for Fall 2006 semester. If you discover you have an administrative hold in your record, email isoeadvisor@asu.edu with your situation. The hold will be taken off after your status has been cleared by the ISO. 5. AUDIT grades are not counted towards full-time enrollment. 6. No more than 3 credit hrs from any online/distance learning course may be applied towards the full-time requirement each semester. 7. Undergraduate students planning to do a concurrent enrollment at a local community college in the Fall 2006 semester must report to the ISO and request permission no later than August 7, 2006. 8. J-1 students must update the ISO with their dependent J-2 insurance information. Failure to do so will cause loss of J-1 status. 9. Anytime you move, update address information with ASU Interactive Online Services within 10 days. Use your home in Tempe/Phoenix area as your LOCAL address and your home country residence as PERMANENT address. Failure to do so will cause loss of student status. 10. Residence Life students who check out must remember to update their address information in ASU Interactive. 11. The processing time at the ISO for any document/form signature request is 5-7 full working days. Other requests may take more time so please plan accordingly. 12. The ISO will be closed on May 3rd reading day from 10 am– 2 pm The ISO is open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm all year except on university holidays and posted closures. Please be cautious in your travels and have a safe and enjoyable summer holidays! Message from ISO - Travel Reminders (04/19/2006) TRAVEL REMINDERS-Spring 2006 1. If you are traveling this summer break please
check your I-20/DS-2019 for a valid travel signature by a Designated
School Official from the International Student Office. Signatures
are valid for 1 year from the date of last signature except
for students on OPT.* Message from ISO-ISO Series Presentation (3/13/2006) Dear International Student: The ISO would like to invite you to an ISO Presentation Series. These presentations will discuss JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES and VISA OPTIONS AFTER OPT for those who plan to pursue a career in the US after graduation. These are highly recommended for students who are nearing completion of their degree program at ASU. No reservations are needed. Seating is limited, so please come on time. ISO Presentation Series I Message from ISO-Immigration (1/30/2006) MAINTAINING STATUS REMINDERS for F-1 and J-1
degree-seeking students only B. LESS THAN FULL-TIME C. CHANGE OF COMPLETION DATE D. ACADEMIC PROGRAM CHANGE E. CHANGE OF STATUS F. J-2 insurance proof Your non-compliance to submit documentation or contact the ISO by the deadline will result in the placement of administrative hold in your academic record and the loss of your immigration status being reported to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Please plan accordingly. Thank you. ISOeadvisor Message from ISO: Programming Update-Taxes (01/27/2006) TAX INFORMATION
The ASU Law School in cooperation with the VITA program has arranged for volunteers to help international students fill out and file tax forms or answer tax related questions. VITA- help is available from February 13, 2006 to April 11, 2006 Monday and Tuesday nights from 6pm to 10pm in the MU. When you go to a session, go to the MU information desk and ask for the room assignment for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance session on that day. PLEASE COME EARLY! Arrive no later than one hour before the end of the session. Bring your immigration documents (I-20/DS-2019, passport, I-94) and all tax documents you have received regarding scholarship, employment (including W-2) or interest income. If you earned money outside of Arizona, please bring the tax forms from each state you earned money in, as they will not have those forms on hand.
Message from ISO: Spring 2006 Welcome/Updates (01/23/2006) The entire staff of the International Student Office (ISO) would like to welcome new and continuing students as you begin the Spring 2006 semester. Please take a moment to read through the entire message. It is of utmost importance to review deadlines and plan ahead according to your individual circumstances to avoid immigration/visa problems. We highly recommend that you print a copy of the email for future reference. A. SEVIS 1. ALL NEW & TRANSFER students must report to the ISO for SEVIS initial registration processing. To facilitate this, students must bring to the ISO copies of their endorsed I-20/DS-2019, I-94 card, passport pages with photo, US visa and print-outs of the updated local address and immigration information pages from the ASU Interactive website http://www.asu.edu/sos/ . As proof that you have been registered in SEVIS, you will receive a NEW I-20 from the ISO. An email will be sent to your ASU email account when your new I-20 is ready for pick up. 2. DEADLINE to report to the ISO for SEVIS registration is January 31. Failure to report in a timely manner will result in the loss of your F-1 status and your SEVIS record will be TERMINATED. 3. J1 students must report to the Alternate Responsible Officer/Responsible Officer who signed their respective DS-2019 for SEVIS program validation. 4. All continuing students who have continually maintained full-time status will be automatically registered in SEVIS for Spring 2006 semester. There is NO NEED to report to the ISO for this transaction. -SEVIS registration verifies maintenance of
student status. Failure to maintain student status at the time
of SEVIS registration will cause you to be terminated in SEVIS.
For complete information about maintaining your visa status,
please refer to p. 2 of your I-20/DS-2019. 5. An international student visa administration
fee of $25 will be billed to the account of F-1 and J-1 students
who were admitted from Fall semester 2003 onwards. The fee is
applied to student accounts EACH semester around 30-45 days
after classes begin to cover administrative costs associated
with SEVIS compliance and reporting. You may pay at the Cashier's
Office or by using On-line services. B. ENROLLMENT ADVISORY 1. Students must be registered full-time at all times. Full-time is 12 credit hrs for undergraduates/ 9 credit hrs, graduates or 6 credit hrs with an assistantship (unless the department or college requires more). 2. No more than 3 credit hrs from any online/distance learning course may be applied towards the full-time requirement each semester. 3. AUDIT grades are not counted towards full-time enrollment. 4. Exception to the full-course of study will be given to students for the following reasons: last semester, dissertation/research or thesis hours, concurrent enrollment at a local community college, USCIS recognized case of academic difficulties, serious medical problems and personal issues that prevent academic success. Doing poorly in a course is not an approved reason to be less than full time. Please take advantage of academic support services such as the Learning Resource Center at: http://www.asu.edu/vpsa/lrc/ and the Writing Center at: http://www.asu.edu/duas/wcenter/ to ensure your success. 5. Students must submit the COMPLETION OF COURSEWORK FORM or other appropriate form to receive ISO approval for exceptions to the full-course-of-study requirement BEFORE the start of each semester and PRIOR to dropping below full-time for any reason. IMPORTANT! C. OTHER MATTERS/Maintaining Status 1. Check the validity dates of your I-20/DS-2019 and Passports. Apply for an I-20/DS-2019 extension within 60 days before the expiration date. An expired I-20/DS-2019 will result in the loss of your status. Contact the ISO for extension application details. 2. Passports must be valid at least 6 months into the future. Contact your respective country embassy within the US for passport renewal processes. 3. If you have changed majors or degree options within your program i.e. MS to MCS or pursuing another/higher degree this Spring 2006 semester, please send an email to isoeadvisor@asu.edu so we can verify if the change has affected your status and/or if you need to request for an I-20 update. 4. Students who have pre-approved insurance coverage through their government or official sponsor must request, obtain and submit an insurance waiver to the Tuition Payment office every semester by two weeks after classes start to avoid paying the ASU insurance. 5. Students completing their program this spring semester who want to apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit must apply at least 90 days prior to the completion date to get the full 12 months of OPT. Deadline to apply for OPT is 3 weeks prior to completion date to the ISO. The OPT application must be received by the USICS before COMPLETION of degree program. Failure to meet the deadline will result in the loss of your OPT benefit. 6. Students who are currently on OPT must pay attention to the I-20 expiration date. If degree is not completed by the expiration date of the I-20, you must contact ISO for further advisement. Failure to do so will cause termination of your SEVIS record. 7. Anytime you move, update your address information on ASU Interactive Online Services within 10 days at http://www.asu.edu/sos/. Use your home in Tempe/Phoenix area as your LOCAL address and your home country residence as PERMANENT address. Students on OPT must also remember to keep their contact information current. 8. Travel Advisory can be found at this ISO webpage. Check your I-20/DS-2019 for valid travel endorsement before your scheduled trip to avoid delays. http://www.asu.edu/studentlife/Prog&Services/ISO/reminders.html 9. Students subject to SPECIAL REGISTRATION should remember all entry and exit requirements to avoid delays. For additional information or specific questions on special registration, go to the USICE website link http://www.ice.gov/graphics/specialregistration/WalkawayMaterial.pdf or contact USCIS National Customer Service Center 1-800-375-5283. D. ISO MATTERS 2. There is no need to make an appointment to see an ISO advisor if you are applying for an I-20 extension, application for a new I-20 when pursuing another/higher degree, dependent I-20/DS-2019, OPT, CPT and Academic Training. You may either pick-up a hand-out/instructions at the ISO or email isoeadvisor@asu.edu to request hand-out/instructions through email. 3. The processing time at the ISO for an I-20 signature, letter of certification or other routine document is 5-7 full working days. Other document requests and transactions may require more time. Please plan accordingly. 4. Please remember to always check your ASU email account to watch for future immigration updates and programming announcements from the ISO. We look forward to a successful semester and wish you all a happy Spring semester! Message from ISO: Programming Update (01/19/2006) I. Welcome Party The Coalition of International Students (CIS) welcomes you to ASU for the spring 2006 semester and would like to invite you to the Spring 2006 CIS Welcome Party. When: Friday January 27th This is a great opportunity to meet people
from all over the world in a casual setting. To attend please send an email to cis@asu.edu to reserve your spot by Wednesday, January 25th so we can better plan for food quantities! J CIS is the umbrella group for all international student organizations; we represent the voice of international students in the ASU community and organize various events that promote cultural diversity. For more information or questions please contact Estefania Vargas—President II. Basketball Tickets Mark your calendars for the following games!
Men’s Basketball-FREE TICKETS!* We have 3 international students on the Men’s team: Serge Angounou from Cameroon, Antwi Atuahene from Canada and Bruno Claudino from Brazil. The complete 2005-06 ASU Women’s and Men's Basketball Schedules/Results can be found at http://thesundevils.collegesports.com/calendar/asu-calendar.html Wells Fargo Arena map: http://thesundevils.collegesports.com/facilities/asu-hoops-interactive.html
Schedule: CPT Basics (Curricular Practical Training)
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